'Last Comic Standing' - 'L.A. Auditions': Season 7 Premiere Recap

For stand-up comedians, NBC's 'Last Comic Standing' has the same "easy road" stigma that singers feel 'American Idol' has. The show even took a year long break before coming back for its seventh season. Former winners have been as hit-or-miss as those on 'Idol.' Revamped once again (the show is on its fifth host and an all-new judging panel), 'Last Comic' is back.

The two-hour premiere focused entirely on auditions at The Improv in Los Angeles. The judging panel -- with established comics Greg Giraldo, Natasha Leggero and Andy Kindler -- weed through comedians, all aiming for a spot on that night's showcase.

Giraldo, known for his cutting bits on Comedy Central's Roasts, says he prefers comics who have "suffered a little" and "can put a spin on it." Leggero, known for her 'snobby, rich girl' stand-up persona, says she stresses material and point of view. (Full disclosure: I've met Leggero a couple of times. She's very friendly and helpful -- and she's incredibly tiny in person.) Last is Kindler from 'Everybody Loves Raymond,' who proclaims you can't teach stand-up comedy.